Getting Framed

I spent a long time by the lake, just thinking. Now I understood why Madison had tried to stop me earlier. I felt cursed and confused. How could so much happen in a single day, and it wasn’t even noon yet?

I loved and trusted Adrien so deeply that I didn’t see this coming. Maybe I saw the signs but chose to ignore them. It didn’t seem fair. Despite all the hate, rejection, and betrayal I had faced from his people, he still betrayed my love and trust.

I cried by the lake, feeling as though I was going to die. My heart was aching so much that I wished I could just remove it. The pain inside me was weakening me on the outside.

I lay on the grass, lost in thought until some guards arrived. I recognized them as Alpha Arthur's men—Adrien’s father, who was the Alpha King. Adrien was also an Alpha, serving under his father.

"The Alpha King wants to see you," one of them said. They weren’t in their usual uniforms but wore black suits, looking more like security guards. This kingdom and pack were advanced and well-developed.

Even though I was filled with emotion, I couldn't refuse the Alpha King’s request, so I followed them back to their building. It was much bigger than ours because they often hosted important visitors and held most of the pack’s key meetings there.

I had not visited there for quite a while clearly because of Claire. She was a thorn in my flesh and so I wanted to keep her afar. She had also warned me not to come around there because I was not fit to be there. 

 'You don't belong here.' Those were the exact words she used the last time I was here.

Alpha King Arthur was a distinguished and respected man. He didn’t exactly like me; he was just indifferent. I wondered why he suddenly called for me.

I went to meet him in his study. Unlike Adrien, his father loved books and was very knowledgeable. His study was filled with tall shelves of neatly arranged books and was impressive to see.

I bowed my head to avoid eye contact. 

"It's fine, look up, Mira," he said, and I did.

"Sit," he instructed, and I sat without protest.

There was a pause, and I didn’t speak unless he asked me to.

"You probably know why I called you here," he began. "And you might have noticed that I’m not very fond of you." Arthur was blunt and, despite being in his late fifties, still had a sharp demeanor.

For the three years I had spent in the pack house, I had known him to be someone that would not do or invest in anything that would not benefit him. The same goes for humans too. He believed so much in the philosophy of giving and receiving.

And in my case, I was of no use or benefit to him so I guessed that was why he did not take much liking to me.

"And I don't think there is anymore I could do for you as my son's supposed wife because you have refused to prove your worth. Either intellectually, divinely, business-wise or even physically. I want to believe that no one has to tell you before you know that your days in this pack are numbered. I'm not sorry to tell you this way, because it's high time you leave." He continued, summing up all he had to say.

What was I expecting? I moved my eyes down swiftly and swallowed hard, so I would not cry before him. I already hated myself so much so if I portrayed myself as weak before him, my self-esteem would literally be gone.

"All understood, sir." I replied shortly and stood up to leave. Atleast, I did not need a permission to leave his presence.

I smiled continually as I walked out. It was funny how I saw everything coming, all the signs but still chose to ignore it. Now, reality was dawning up on me.

I was really about to be kicked out. 

I had Madison secretly get my car keys from my room, and I drove away. I needed to leave that place because my mental health was deteriorating. Staying there even one more minute might make me lose my mind.

I had nowhere specific to go. Since marrying Adrien, I hadn’t been allowed to make friends, so I was all alone. I drove to a restaurant and asked for their VIP area.

I ordered a variety of meals and beer. I needed something to lift my spirits. The waitress seemed to understand and played upbeat hip-hop music to help cheer me up.

I ate and drank heavily, letting out my frustration with loud curses. 

"Fuck you, Adrien! Fuck you, Adrien’s mother! Fuck you, Adrien’s father! Fuck you, stupid priestess! Fuck everyone!!!" I shouted loudly, not caring if I disturbed anyone.

I just needed to relieve myself and I was glad I went there. I was not drunk but I felt so tired. Tired physically and emotionally. I needed some rest and I was going to get it. Instead of heading to the pack, I went to a hotel and tried to lodge there, paying with Adrien's credit card I had with me.

"I'm sorry but it's declined." The receptionist said to me and returned the card.

 "That's not possible, I just bought meals with it." I argued. Then it occured to me that he actually received the debit alert from the food I bought and decided to block the card. So this was how it was going to be? Perfect! Just perfect!

"Fuck me for not having my own money." I cursed at myself under my breath.

Then I had no choice but to return back to the pack house. I got to my building and Madison was the first person I met again, as usual.

 "Where have you been, My lady?" She asked, looking troubled.

"What is it this time around?" I asked. At that point in time, I was prepared for literally everything. The day was meant to be bad so let's have it.

"Luna Claire is throwing a fit over her jewelry, calming they were stolen." Maddie replied me and I furrowed my brows.

 "How does that concern me? The proper thing should be done and the thief will be apprehended."

"The problem is...she claims you stole it." Madison dropped the news and I froze on the spot.  

I burst into hysterical laughter for a few seconds. "I need to sleep, Maddie. I am not in the mood for all of these." I affirmed but things got more serious than I thought as some guards from the main building arrived looking tough. 

They walked me to the main building where the commotion had happened. 

 "And there is the thief." Luna Claire declared as soon as I walked in.